A
new study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives says that
everyday sounds, such as cell phone rings and conversation can affect
the rhythm and the rate of your heart.

After monitoring 110
adults' daily heart rate activity and noise exposure, German researchers
found that as a person's exposure to noise increased, so did their
heart rate.

On the other hand, their heart rate variability
(variation in the time interval between heart beats) decreased. But the
lesser the variability, the greater the heart attack risk, says the
study.

Interestingly enough, when the noises stayed below 65
decibels (safe levels), participants' heart rate still went up. The
study also says that there are other factors to consider. For example,
the way a person perceives a sound-annoying or pleasant-could influence
their psychological reaction.

Habitual
exposure to noise above 85 dB will lead to gradual hearing loss in many
people. In fact, the 'safe-limit' decreases by half for every 5 point
increase in the noise level-your exposure should be limited to 8 hours
per day at 90 dB, 4 at 95 dB and so on. Don't expose unprotected ears to
noise over 140 dB.

Create a barrier between the noise and your
ears wherever possible. Roll up car windows, sound-proof your home with
heavy drapes, wear earplugs/earmuffs when you are in a noisy situation.